Education Insight: How Education Impacts Inland Empire Economics and Vice Versa

About This Episode

Season 4. Episode 11.

In this episode of Education Insight, we’re joined by Dr. Timothy Nadreau, Professor of Economics at Washington State University and founder of Recon Insight Group, to discuss the critical role education plays in shaping the economic development of local communities, particularly in the Inland Empire. Dr. Nadreau provides in-depth insights on how education drives job creation, industry growth, and regional development, while also addressing the significant economic barriers that prevent access to quality education for many in our region.

We’ll explore the long-term economic benefits that communities can experience when they invest in local education and how institutions can adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of the workforce. Dr. Nadreau also shares case studies of communities where innovative educational programs have led to significant economic transformation, offering valuable lessons for underserved areas like San Bernardino and Riverside.

Join us for this insightful conversation on how strengthening the connection between education and economic growth can positively impact the future of the Inland Empire.

Featured Guest

Dr. Timothy Nadreau
Principal Investigator, Recon Insight Group

During the academic year Dr. Nadreau serves as an Assistant Professor at University of Idaho and an Adjunct Professor at Washington State University’s IMPACT Center. He is the managing editor of Washington Agribusiness: Status and Outlook where he co-authors the “Macroeconomic Outlook.” He has been an instructor and curriculum designer in NYU’s School of Professional Sciences and led a team of consultants at Economic Modeling Specialists Int. (now Lightcast) where he conducted impact and investment analysis, provided expert witness testimony, and established quality control metrics for the company. Prior to joining Emsi, Dr. Nadreau received a bachelor’s degree in theoretical mathematics from the University of Idaho as well as a master’s degree in agricultural and applied economics when he was awarded the Iddings fellowship for his work on optimal public investments. He defended his Ph.D. in the fall of 2018 focusing on economic development strategies and improved impact and general equilibrium analyses. Currently Dr. Nadreau consults on a range of regional economic development initiatives. He has completed studies on everything from Native American wines, to electricity transmission infrastructure, to housing affordability studies. Human capital development remains his primary research focus.

Interview Highlights

3:57 – Adrienne describes dual enrollment and its benefits.

7:15 – Adrienne speaks to how recent California mandates and initiatives may have influenced the growth of these new programs.

8:34 – Adrienne explains what research shows about the impact of dual enrollment on a student’s academic achievements or even their future success.

9:24 – Adrienne shares examples of dual enrollment activities that are taking place in our region and what is happening in the IE. 

13:11 – Adrienne talks about strategies in place to make sure that equal opportunities are available for all students.

20:18 – Jorge explains how dual enrollment aligns with his role at Riverside County Unified School District.

21:28 – Jorge shares his experiences and thoughts on the current dual enrollment programs that are being offered at Riverside Unified School District.

23:32 – Jorge gives insight into how dual enrollment makes students career ready.

25:58 – Jorge describes what challenges students typically face in dual enrollment programs and how he addresses those issues. 

32:43 – Jorge shares what he would like to see be the future of the dual enrollment program in his district and beyond. 

36:31 – Special Feature: Avijeet Randhawa, 8th-Grader, Auburndale Intermediate School in the Corona Norco Unified School District.

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Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.